A Dreamer's Worlds

The Odd Cat (Part 1 of Names in the Mist)

Rain drummed out a rhythm on the roof as I curled up with a book. It was a nice day to be indoors, but then, everyday was a nice day to be indoors. The rain always came down in sheets, distorting the colorful lights in the streets. It was a thing of beauty, you know, and certainly undeserving of what happened.

Someone pounded on my door, yelling something I couldn't quite hear. The door was too thick and the rain was too loud. I gently put a bookmark in my book and set it down, casually making my way to the door.

I opened it to a fist right at my face. While I was still frozen in surprise, Jeremy pushed past me and into my house. His umbrella dripped water on the floor, even more when he closed it. It was to the point that I was relieved when he slid it into my umbrella stand.

"This seems important." I hadn't had to say that, but it seemed like it should be said.

"Yeah, it's real important." Jeremy leaned on the back of my couch. He was a big, burly man and I couldn't help the feeling that he would break my couch just by leaning on it.

"So what is it?" I made to pull up a chair but Jeremy waved me off.

"You still do detective work?" Not since I got a steady job, I wanted to say.

"Sure, why not?" I said instead.

Jeremy glanced around. I raised an eyebrow when he met my gaze and he shrugged.

"Don't tell anyone I gave this to you, alright?" Jeremy pulled a folder out of his bag and handed it to me.

"They could guess." We'd known each other since we were little; it'd wouldn't be a stretch that we'd go to each other for help.

"Yeah, yeah. You're still the best PI I know." He said as I opened up the folder.

"Aren't I the only PI you know?"

"And you're the best for knowing that." Jeremy, literally anyone could find that out. You'd tell them in an instant.

"Of course." Jeremy let me look over the folder. The contents were sparse and mostly about the disappearances of three people. All records were wiped, leaving only the names. Also I found out that Jeremy needed milk, broccoli, and potatoes. I handed him back his grocery list and sat down on the couch.

"What do you think?" Jeremy plopped down next to me.

"It's an odd case. Unexpected." Well, that was an understatement.

"Will you do it? I can't pay you, but maybe you'll get an award."

"In my free time. I had to get a job to pay for my hobby." Ah, yes. The glorious hobby of getting in everyone's business. I was a star at that, just like most PI's. Still, Jeremy seemed disappointed.

"That's okay. Just thought you be interested."

"I am. Everything missing but the names? This is just weird." It really was. I may not be one for detective work anymore, but this case was definitely interesting.

"Yeah? Thought you'd like it. I gotta head off. Got work in a bit. Call me if you find anything, alright?"

I gave him a thumbs up as he left.

I stretched and got to work.

The disappearances were all the same; someone disappears, official records are wiped except for the names, and the missing person is never seen again.

The disappearing was normal, but the records? It was like the kidnapper wanted to hide, but then why leave the names? Trophies? A way to mock the police? Who knew? I sure didn't.